“Alien: Romulus” Stuns Critics with Gripping Horror and Stellar Effects

Ridley Scott on the creation of Alien (1979): “We realized that, to make a truly frightening film, we had to create something the audience had never seen before—a creature that was beyond their worst nightmares.”

The terrifying saga of one of cinema’s most fearsome creatures is back with a vengeance, and fans are on the edge of their seats. Fede Alvarez’s “Alien: Romulus” has finally been unleashed upon a select group of film critics, and the early reactions are nothing short of electrifying. Alvarez, known for his relentless approach to horror, has seemingly outdone himself, delivering a pulse-pounding entry that’s being hailed as one of the franchise’s best in its 45-year history, dating back to Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic “Alien.”

“You don’t give this to a starter” – Ridley Scott explains why Fede Álvarez was the best choice to direct #AlienRomulus

(via: @THR) pic.twitter.com/9EuSuCQZYb

— JoBlo Movies and TV (@joblodotcom) August 13, 2024

Critics have been floored by the film’s nerve-shredding scares, stunning practical effects, and a cast that hits all the right notes. Gizmodo’s Germain Lussier described the movie as an insane thrill ride, a high-octane blend of everything that made the previous six “Alien” films unforgettable, but with a sharp focus and a story that stands tall on its own. The film crescendos in a third act that’s been described as nothing short of a spectacular, mind-bending twist.

James Cameron on Aliens (1986): “Where Alien was a haunted house in space, Aliens is a rollercoaster ride that takes you right to the edge. It’s a mother’s fight to protect her child, with everything amplified to the extreme.”

Variety’s Jazz Tangcay didn’t hold back in her praise either, dubbing it one of the franchise’s finest moments. She highlighted the film’s immersive sound design and masterful world-building, pointing out that the practical effects are so terrifyingly real they left her waking up in cold sweats.

Courtney Howard, another veteran critic, called the movie “gnarly, gripping, and gorgeously bleak,” applauding its innovative yet respectful approach. She particularly spotlighted the performances of Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, who she believes dominate the screen with their intensity.

Behind the scenes of the animatronic Xenomorph for ‘ALIEN: ROMULUS’ pic.twitter.com/mpgkhKOObH

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) August 12, 2024

Tessa Smith of Mama’s Geeky was equally impressed, noting that “Alien: Romulus” pays perfect homage to its roots with an emphasis on practical effects, which only makes the few moments of CGI all the more noticeable. She warned viewers that while the film might start off slow, once it kicks into gear, it’s a relentless ride that will leave them breathless until the final frame.

The narrative of “Alien: Romulus” is set in a tantalizing gap between the events of the original “Alien” and James Cameron’s “Aliens.” It follows a ragtag group of young space colonists, led by Spaeny’s character, Rain, as they embark on what seems like a straightforward mission to scavenge a derelict space station. Little do they know, the station harbors the nightmarish creature that fans have feared for decades. The ensemble cast also includes David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.

James Cameron on expanding the Alien universe: “In Aliens, it wasn’t just about survival. It was about facing unimaginable odds and still having the courage to fight. It’s about humanity’s indomitable will.”

As the movie barrels towards its climax, the third act is garnering particular attention. Richard Fink of MovieWeb admitted it had him gasping for air, while Nikko Caruso from Chicago Indie Critics described it as a jaw-dropping spectacle. Yet, not all feedback is unqualified; some critics, like Mark McPherson of Film Inquiry, felt that the film’s deeper themes got a bit lost amidst the chaos, though the visceral horror and creature effects more than made up for it.

If you’re rewatching ALIEN films ahead of ROMULUS, make the time for Egor Abramenko’s SPUTNIK, about a psychologist who learns the lone survivor of a spacecraft crash didn’t come back alone. Tense, gory, cerebral, with a fantastic creature design that’s both freaky and gorgeous. pic.twitter.com/aTy8L7LwAx

— Isaac Feldberg (@isaacfeldberg) August 13, 2024

Ridley Scott, who produced this latest installment after stepping back from directing duties post-“Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant,” has been nothing but supportive of Alvarez’s vision. He’s praised the filmmaker’s fresh energy, hinting that this could be the jolt the franchise needed. Scott even teased that Alvarez might have more surprises up his sleeve, hoping this won’t be his last venture into the terrifying world of “Alien.”

“Alien: Romulus” is set to invade theaters nationwide on April 16, and from the looks of it, audiences should brace themselves for a harrowing experience.

Quotes

• John Hurt on the chestburster scene:“That scene in Alien is one of the most shocking moments in cinema history. It’s raw, it’s terrifying, and it’s utterly unforgettable.”
• Peter Travers on Alien (1979) “With Alien, Ridley Scott redefined what a sci-fi horror film could be—claustrophobic, terrifying, and impeccably crafted.”
• Variety on Aliens (1986): “James Cameron’s Aliens takes the terror of the original and amplifies it with relentless action and deeper emotional stakes. It’s a sequel that surpasses its predecessor in every way.”
• Sigourney Weaver on the legacy of the Alien series: “The Alien films have endured because they explore the darkest corners of human fear—the fear of the unknown, of the other, of losing control. They challenge us and stay with us long after the credits roll.”

Major Points

• Critics hail “Alien: Romulus” as one of the best entries in the franchise’s 45-year history.
• Fede Alvarez delivers intense scares, top-notch practical effects, and a strong cast.
• The film’s third act is praised for its bold, shocking twists and gripping finale.
• Set between “Alien” and “Aliens,” the story follows space colonists facing a deadly threat.
• Ridley Scott praises Alvarez’s fresh vision, hinting at potential future projects in the series.

Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News